Is it possible to design cities that actively promote human wellness? Yes, and to find out how, host AJ Paron speaks with Stefano Tronci, Asia Pacific sustainability leader at SOM, about strategies for embedding health and sustainability into the built environment. From biophilic design and air quality to holistic spatial planning, Stefano shares how his team collaborates with developers, engineers, and city officials to create spaces that reduce stress, support wellbeing, and shape the future of thriving communities. This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by Shaw Contract. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can design fuel healing and transform lives before a single brick is laid? Host AJ Paron explores a groundbreaking wellbeing initiative aimed at curing congestive heart failure. This unique collaboration brings together a design firm, a healthcare system, and an organization devoted to happiness. Joined by Nancy O’Brien of Experience Happiness and Deanna Hokanson, who worked with Hennepin Healthcare, AJ gets to the bottom of a revolutionary use of experience-based co-design. Together, they reveal how authentic happiness, deep listening, and community-building can shape environments that empower both patients and healthcare professionals. This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by Shaw Contract. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if hospitals could heal without exposing patients to harmful toxins? In this episode of Once Upon a Project, host AJ Paron sits down with sustainability provocateur (and stand-up comic) Eric Corey Freed of CannonDesign to explore radical new approaches to the built environment. From designing a toxin-free hospital to leveraging neuro-architecture and assumptions mapping, Eric shares how questioning defaults can unlock healthier, more sustainable design solutions. This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by Shaw Contract. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can designers protect their creativity while thriving in a fast-paced, high-pressure industry? Recorded live at NeoCon 2025, host AJ Paron sits down with a panel of experts from Shaw Contract to explore the vital topic of creative wellness in design. Together, Shannon Crider Langley, Kaley Decker, and Ashley Olson share practical tools and strategies for preventing burnout, sustaining passion, and finding balance between work and well-being. Tune in for candid insights and actionable takeaways that will help you nurture both your creativity and your career. This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by Shaw Contract. This episode was recorded live in the NeoCon Podcast Lounge Powered by SURROUND. Thank you to our Lounge sponsor, Material Bank, and product partners: HÅG, Stylex, KI Wall, and Turf. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Take a journey to the mountains with architect Michael Upwall and builder Gary Hill. Together, they explore their collaborative process in designing the stunning Pinnacle Sky home in Park City Utah. From their first project to the intricacies of constructing modern homes in harsh mountain environments, Michael and Gary share stories, challenges, and their unique bond. Passion, and effective communication are important in long-term collaborations, which Michael and Gary bring to every project. This episode is brought to you by Marvin, a must-watch for anyone interested in architectural design and construction.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Learn about the transformative power of well-designed educational environments.

Sensory design expert Russell Jones sits with AJ to explore the fascinating world of multisensory design in the built environment. Learn how Russell and his team transformed the iconic John Lewis & Partners department store into a testbed for sensory innovation, balancing the needs of neurodiverse visitors, enhancing brand experience, and creating environments that are both immersive and inclusive. Russell's eBook: Designing For Humans: How cross-modal neuroscience can transform the built environment. This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by KI. Once Upon A Project is produced by Rob Schulte and Rachel Senatore at SANDOW DESIGN GROUP and is a member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Explore the powerful connection between design and neuroscience with Suchi Reddy an NYC based architect, designer, and artist. Discover how design can influence our emotions, well-being, and human connection through compelling stories and innovative projects. Suchi shares her journey from architectural practice to art installations at Salone del Mobile and discusses the groundbreaking work in neurasthenics. This thought-provoking conversation uncovers how spaces can evoke physiological and psychological responses to enhance human potential. This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by KI. Once Upon A Project is produced by Rob Schulte and Rachel Senatore at SANDOW DESIGN GROUP and is a member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dive into the world of color with one of host AJ Paron’s design heroes, Laura Guido-Clark. Laura discusses the psychology of color, its impact on our lives, and how her company, Love Good Color, leverages this knowledge to transform spaces. Learn about her inspiring work with Project ColorCorps, where she brings vibrant transformations to underserved communities, creating environments that reflect joy, belonging, and empowerment. Discover how careful consideration of hues, temperaments, and cultural factors can make a profound difference in design and society. Project Color Corps E.C. Reems Academy Project This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by KI. Once Upon A Project is produced by Rob Schulte and Rachel Senatore at SANDOW DESIGN GROUP and is a member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An expert in inclusive environments, Steve Orfield, President at Orfield Laboratories, Inc., offered up the quietest room in the world to record this episode. Host AJ Paron and Steve discuss their collaboration on a groundbreaking project for Fraser, Minnesota’s leading autism treatment provider, focusing on creating scientifically designed, peaceful spaces for individuals with autism. Discover how science and empathy come together to shape environments that enhance human experience. This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by KI. Once Upon A Project is produced by Rob Schulte and Rachel Senatore at SANDOW DESIGN GROUP and is a member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wild, ambitious projects can be done — or they can be epic.

AJ Paron sits down with designer Yinka Ilori at Neocon to discuss award-winning collaboration with Momentum Textiles and Wallcovering, his journey from furniture design to becoming an acclaimed multidisciplinary artist, and how his Nigerian heritage influences his use of bold colors and patterns.

We're joined by Gene Wilson, Vice President of Merchandising and Vendor Management at Room & Board, for an inspiring conversation about the future of sustainable design and the remarkable journey of turning urban wood into beautiful, meaningful furniture.

Join David Shove-Brown, co-founder of //3877, as he shares the captivating story of transforming a historic D.C. building into a vibrant restaurant—twice—and navigating challenges from architectural constraints to unexpected earthquakes.

Join host AJ Paron for an enlightening conversation with Jennifer Kolstad, Global Design and Brand Director at Ford, as they explore the innovative and empathetic design behind the ambitious Kuwait Children’s Hospital project.

Discover the design brilliance behind Boston Consulting Group’s Toronto HQ with Caitlin Turner, award-winning Director of Interiors at HOK Canada, as she shares the secrets to its success with host AJ Paron.

Join host AJ Paron as she delves into Jose Jordan’s innovative design of Orlando's family circuit court, where his scientific approach and focus on tactile materials create a secure, nature-inspired, and vibrant environment for positive change.

Join host AJ Paron as Madelynn Ringo, founder of her NYC-based design studio, shares the creative journey behind designing Contact Sports' SoHo storefront, transforming it into a modern, luxurious, and cheeky sex and wellness destination that's even mom-approved.

Join Nita Posada, partner and director of interior design at Skylab Architecture, as she reveals the story behind the innovative Serena Williams Building at Nike World Headquarters, inspired by the athlete’s spirit and designed to transform how a legacy brand and its employees work.

Join us as we explore how designers like Hank White and Alexis Dennis are redefining workspaces coast-to-coast, from a timber forest atop Radio City Music Hall to a vegan-inspired HQ for Califia Farms, blending innovation with productivity and thoughtful design.